Internships at Shakespeare & Company

The Shakespeare & Company Internship Program is designed to train the next generation of theatre professionals to become successful and well-rounded members of the theatre community. Interns receive one-on-one mentoring from within their department and experience with professional artists and staff. Throughout the internship, in a lecture series designed exclusively for interns, staff members from across the company illuminate the inner workings of a large arts organization.

Interns also have the opportunity to complete an independent capstone project within their department and will receive career guidance with performance evaluations and resume/portfolio review. Internships are available year-round, typically 15- or 16-week duration, but if one of the tracks below is not perfect for an applicant, programs of custom duration or areas of interest can be developed as well.

Summer Internships are available in the following departments:

Arts Administration

The Arts Management Intern will work closely with the Company Manager, Production Manager, and General Manager in providing administrative support for the operations of the summer season. These departments are responsible for overseeing the day-to-day activities for the entire organization of over 100 staff spread over 30 acres, which include our four performance spaces, numerous residencies, and additional studio and common spaces.

This is an excellent opportunity for an early-career professional interested in production management, company management, or general management. This intern will be entrusted with a great deal of responsibilities, which may include:

Liaising with resident and local artists to meet their needs.

Troubleshooting housing and vehicle related needs.

Planning and executing company events.

Providing transport to/from train stations or airports.

Managing production department material receipts and budgets.

Liaising with outside rentals.

Over the course of the internship, the Arts Administration Intern will have the opportunity to build their skills in various areas of theatre management, culminating in the opportunity to plan and execute their own end-of-season company morale event. Additional internship projects will be based on the individual intern’s areas of interest.

Ideal candidates will be ambitious, self-motivated and be able to adapt in an ever-changing environment with complex circumstances and a wide range of personalities. Applicants should demonstrate experience with Excel and/or other financial database software, solid organizational skills, the ability to maintain confidentiality, and a strong sense of humor and maturity. Every member of the management team is vital to keep the office running, so an eager and positive attitude is a must. Candidates must have a valid driver’s license/clean driving record. Work hours can be flexible, but the intern must be available to work some long days/evenings based on artists’ travel itineraries and special events schedules.

Internship dates are flexible, but preference will be given to candidates available from early-May through mid-September. Shakespeare & Company is an E.O.E. and this position includes a stipend, with the possibility of shared housing for non-local applicants. To apply, please send a cover letter with dates of availability, resume, and references via email to JobSearch@shakespeare.org. Please include the department for which you are applying in the subject header of the email. All interns must be 18 years or older.

Costumes

Costume Shop Interns assist in the Costume Shop in a hands-on way with day-to-day needs of the Costume and Wardrobe Department, gaining experience in a full time fast-paced environment. Internships are tailored to the skills and interests of the individual student- you may hey learn about the functions of a Costume Shop, from costume construction & builds, and alterations to wardrobe responsibilities and stock management.

We have busy Costume and Wardrobe Department supporting all performances and a large Education Program. Summertime brings a good sized staff of 2 drapers, 10-12 costume staff, 2 -3 interns, 4 on wardrobe staff and Designers in and out. Our large shop has a wall of big windows, AC, 4 cutting tables, 2 fitting areas and work stations all around. We are lucky enough to be on the same floor with 40 years of stock in 4 rooms, a wardrobe/break room and our own bathroom. All shows are assembled in the shop and then loaded out to the performance venues. We do all our Costume construction, craft, millinery, and mask work in our shop.

Interns work alongside the professional costume staff with a 40 hour work schedule.

Complete tasks assigned based on their skill level.

Assist in the day to operation of the Costume shop, which can include machine and hand sewing, constructing garments, helping pull costumes from stock, drafting patterns, doing laundry, craft work or helping clean up at the end of the day, or all of the above.

Interns are encouraged to pick an independent construction project in their field of interests, using a commercial pattern – clothing, crafts, or millinery, to complete during their time with us, where they can avail themselves of the willing input or instruction from the professional staff.

Preference will be given to those with sewing skills and theatre experience. We look for undergraduates who are interested in pursuing a career in technical theater and costumes. Familiarity with various machines and sewing techniques is helpful. Applicants should have a demonstrated capacity to develop & maintain an effective work ethic in a team atmosphere. Interns can arrange for college credit through their school and will receive a final review with letter of recommendation from their department head at the end of their contract.

Shakespeare & Company is an E.O.E. and this position includes a stipend, with the possibility of shared housing for non-local applicants. To apply, please send a cover letter with dates of availability, resume, and e-mail contact for 3 references via email to JobSearch@shakespeare.org. Please include the department for which you are applying in the subject header of the email. Costume interns must be 19 years or older.

Development & Special Events

The Development and Special Events Intern will play an instrumental role in Shakespeare & Company’s Development Office, working with the Director of Donor Relations, Director of Institutional Giving, Director of Business Sponsorships, Institutional Giving Associate, and Individual Giving Associate. The Department is responsible for securing all of the contributed income for the company, as well as producing all of the organization’s special events and donor cultivation opportunities. Responsibilities include:

Working with Development staff to organize, implement, and staff donor and fundraising events; Responsibilities include drafting invitations, receiving RSVP’s and responding to donor queries.

Assisting Development staff with mailings, acknowledgements, and database management.

Working with Development staff to create/expand e-mail distribution lists for cultivation.

Assisting Institutional Giving Associate with compiling materials for grant proposals as needed, as well as filing and ticketing for events.

Research and identify new foundation funding sources, including grant and individual donor prospects.

The Development and Special Events Intern’s independent project can be designed around her/his specific goals and interests. For example, if interested in institutional giving, the intern may choose to research a new grant opportunity, and learn to develop and draft a grant proposal for consideration. An intern interested in producing special events may have the opportunity to take a leadership role in producing one of the summer season’s cultivation events.

Shakespeare & Company’s Development Office is a fast-paced environment that requires flexible hours, including some nights and weekends. The successful candidate must be detail-oriented with excellent communication skills, and a good sense of humor. Candidates with strong writing skills and/or database experience are preferred.

Shakespeare & Company is an E.O.E. and this position includes a stipend, with the possibility of shared housing for non-local applicants. To apply, please send a cover letter with dates of availability, resume, and references via email to JobSearch@shakespeare.org. Please include the department for which you are applying in the subject header of the email. All interns must be 18 years or older.

Marketing – Photography/Videography

The Photography/Videography Intern will have the opportunity to learn professional skills from the Shakespeare & Company Marketing Department as well as professional freelance performing arts photographers and videographers. Responsibilities include:

Observing and assisting the Freelance Photographer/Videographer on production shoots.

Creating short videos to promote the season, including interviews, show trailers, and behind-the-scene insights.

Photographing rehearsals, development events, education sessions, and community events.

Assisting in still photo editing, and preliminary selection of photography.

Additional goals and skills as discussed with supervisors.

The Photography/Videography Intern’s independent project can be designed around his or her specific goals. An example might be to create a series of “behind the scene” videos to educate and inspire our audiences. Topics might include costumes, production, education, actor training, interview with directors, etc.

The ideal candidates must be proficient in Adobe Photoshop, iMovie, and FinalCut. They should have at least one year experience in photography and/or creating videos. Candidates must be creative, detail-oriented, excited about collaborating, and have excellent communication skills.

Shakespeare & Company is an E.O.E. and this position includes a stipend, with the possibility of shared housing for non-local applicants. To apply, please send a cover letter stating your interest in the position and educational goals for the internship program along with dates of availability, resume, and references via email to JobSearch@shakespeare.org. Please include the department for which you are applying in the subject header of the email. All interns must be 18 years or older.

Marketing - Social Media

The Social Media/Digital Marketing intern works closely with the Director of Marketing and other marketing staff and departments. The Social Media Intern will assist in the managing of the Company’s social media calendar, learn how to create targeted strategies for performances, education and training, as well as gain experience in creating content for digital marketing campaigns. Projects include:

Create and manage a summer social media calendar for performance and education.

Create written and graphic content for post for Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Provide weekly social media/website reports.

Some box office hours may be required.

The Social Media/Digital Marketing Intern’s independent project can be designed around his or her specific goals. An example might be to create a Facebook or Instagram campaign to increase followers, promote a specific production or grow a new demographic.

The ideal candidate is passionate about theatre and the arts. They are ambitious and a creative thinker, able to multitask projects and meet deadlines. Applicants should have experience with social media networking tools and a desire to expand their skills. They should have strong communication and grammar skills. They also must have proficiency in Microsoft Office (including Word and Excel), and Google Drive. Experience with Photoshop is a plus.

Shakespeare & Company is an E.O.E. and this position includes a stipend, with the possibility of shared housing for non-local applicants. To apply, please send a cover letter with dates of availability along with resume, references, and examples of recent work via email to JobSearch@shakespeare.org. Please include the department for which you are applying in the subject header of the email. All interns must be 18 years or older.

Production – Carpentry

The Carpentry Intern would work closely with the TD, ATDs, and the scene shop staff in the building of scenic elements through an educational process and assist in inventory control in the shop and shop tool maintenance. Classes, lecturers, and other events for the internship company will be held throughout the summer season.

Build scenic elements alongside the rest of the shop staff.

Participate in load-ins and strikes of shows.

Provide logistical support in the shop.

Over the course of the internship, the Carpentry Intern will have the opportunity to build their skills in various areas of scenic construction, culminating in the opportunity to plan and build their own shop improvement project or small scenic element that could appear onstage. Additional internship projects will be based on the individual intern’s areas of interest.

Applicants must be familiar with standard theatrical wood construction and of shop tool operation. Some experience with welding and rigging would be helpful. The Carpentry Intern should be able to read and interpret technical construction drawings. Candidates should be able to lift 50 pounds, and be comfortable working at heights. This position is geared for those early in their college career. Internship dates are flexible, but preference will be given to candidates available from early-May through end of August.

Shakespeare & Company is an E.O.E. and this position includes a stipend, with the possibility of shared housing for non-local applicants. To apply, please send a cover letter with dates of availability, resume, and references via email to JobSearch@shakespeare.org. Please include the department for which you are applying in the subject header of the email. All interns must be 18 years or older.

Production – Paints

The Scenic Intern would work closely with the Scenic Charge in the finishing of scenic elements, primarily through paint, to achieve the designer’s artistic vision through an educational. The person in this position will follow the Scenic Charge’s lead on projects and must be willing to work some nights or early mornings. Classes, lecturers and other events for the internship company will be held throughout the summer season.

Over the course of the internship, the Scenic Intern will have the opportunity to build their skills in various areas of scenic painting, culminating in the opportunity to plan and paint a mural. Additional internship projects will be based on the individual intern’s areas of interest.

The applicant should have a familiarization in the scenic painting. This position involves the frequent maintenance of the paint department’s tools. Candidates should be able to lift 50 pounds and be over 18 years of age. This position is geared for those early in their college career. Internship dates are flexible, but preference will be given to candidates available from early-May through early-September.

Shakespeare & Company is an E.O.E. and this position includes a stipend, with the possibility of shared housing for non-local applicants. To apply, please send a cover letter with dates of availability, resume, and references via email to JobSearch@shakespeare.org. Please include the department for which you are applying in the subject header of the email. All interns must be 18 years or older.

Publicity

The Publicity/Communications Intern works closely with the Publicity Director and other Communications Department staff and interns. They will assist with all press related materials as well as manage online calendars and listings related to Shakespeare & Company productions, events, and other programming. This is an excellent opportunity for an early-career professional interested in arts management, communications, or publicity. This intern’s responsibilities may include:

Over the course of the internship, the Publicity Intern will have the opportunity to build their skills in various areas of theatre management, culminating in the opportunity to write their own press release, pitch a press story, and run an opening night check-in. Additional internship projects will be based on the individual intern’s areas of interest.

The ideal candidates will be passionate about the arts, ambitious, and self-motivated. Candidates should be creative thinkers with a strong ability to multitask projects and deadlines. All applicants should demonstrate a flexible upbeat attitude with strong communication and grammar skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Drive is preferred, and experience with writing press copy is a plus. Internship dates are flexible, but preference will be given to candidates available from early-May through mid-September.

Shakespeare & Company is an E.O.E. and this position includes a stipend, with the possibility of shared housing for non-local applicants. To apply, please send a cover letter with dates of availability, resume, and references via email to JobSearch@shakespeare.org. Please include the department for which you are applying in the subject header of the email. All interns must be 18 years or older.

Stage Management

The Stage Management Intern will work closely with members of the Stage Management team, receiving hands on experience while providing support for a variety of summer productions. The Stage Managers are responsible for overseeing the day-to-day activities associated with rehearsals and performances for the 2018 season, with approximately 200 presentations of seven productions in four performance spaces. This is an excellent opportunity for an early-career professional interested in stage management. This intern will work alongside of those entrusted with a great deal of responsibilities, which may include:

Serving as “understudy” or short-term replacement for anyone on any project on the Stage Management team.

Assisting on other projects, including backstage show-running and/or technical rehearsal assistance, on an as-needed basis throughout the summer.

Assisting the producers of the “Fringe Festival” of play readings including stage managing and coordination of the multi-show festival across two days in late August.

Over the course of the internship, the Stage Management Intern will have the opportunity to enhance their knowledge of various stage management areas of responsibilities through direct experience with and direct support of the professionals in the department, culminating in the execution of the Fringe Festival. Additional aspects of the internship will be based on the individual intern’s areas of interest.

Ideal candidates will be organized, self-motivated, with demonstrated team-leadership skills, and be able or interested in morale / team building, conflict resolution, and clear project communication. Applicants should demonstrate experience with Excel, Word, and/or other office software, solid organizational skills, the ability to maintain confidentiality, and a strong sense of humor and maturity. Candidates with a valid driver’s license/clean driving record preferred. Work hours are Tuesday through Sunday, including many evenings. Internship dates are flexible, but preference will be given to candidates available from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Shakespeare & Company is an E.O.E. and this position includes a stipend, with the possibility of shared housing for non-local applicants. To apply, please send a cover letter with dates of availability, resume, and references via email to JobSearch@shakespeare.org. Please include the department for which you are applying in the subject header of the email. All interns must be 18 years or older. Additional information on internship opportunities for the Fall, Winter, and Spring will be posted as it becomes available.

About Shakespeare & Company

Shakespeare & Company is a 40-year-old organization with a year-round administrative staff of 28 on a 33-acre campus in the Berkshire Hills of Western Massachusetts. Shakespeare & Company’s summer performance season includes 8 to 10 productions on three indoor stages and two outdoor spaces, arts-in-education programs for 7-20 year-olds, and actor training and teacher training programs; its fall / winter / spring programming includes 10 fully-produced high school Shakespeare productions, a professional regional repertory tour, arts-in-education programs for elementary, middle and high schoolers, three play-reading weekends, and actor training programs.

Each year the development department is responsible for soliciting nearly $2M dollars, sponsoring an annual Gala and other donor events; the marketing department maintains records for tens of thousands of patrons, local and from around the country, and also creates images and materials for publication and posting on line; the education and training departments work with students and actors year-round in schools and on the Shakespeare & Company campus; the production department has a 60’x100’ state-of-the-art shop space, and costumes has a generous sized, naturally lit environment for construction as well – all with years of inventory available on site to support projects at hand.

Internships at Shakespeare & Company

The Shakespeare & Company Internship Program is designed to train the next generation of theatre professionals to become successful and well-rounded members of the theatre community. Interns receive one-on-one mentoring from within their department and experience with professional artists and staff. Throughout the internship, in a lecture series designed exclusively for interns, staff members from across the company illuminate the inner workings of a large arts organization. Interns also have the opportunity to complete an independent capstone project within their department and will receive career guidance with performance evaluations and resume/portfolio review.

Internships are available year-round, typically 15- or 16-week duration, but if one of the tracks below is not perfect for an applicant, programs of custom duration or areas of interest can be developed as well.

Summer Theatre Programs for Students 7-17!
Riotous Youth and Riotous Company introduce students to Shakespeare's language, his stories, characters, and themes using imaginative and playful methods. Each session ends with a performance for family, friends, and Company members.
Find out more: http://www.shakespeare.org/education/riotous-youth

Shakespeare & Company is a professional live theatre company in the heart of the Berkshires, presenting a vibrant summer performance season featuring the works of Shakespeare in repertory with classic and contemporary plays. The Company offers one of the most extensive actor training programs by a regional theatre in the country, and is also home to an award-winning and nationally recognized theatre-in-education program.